June 13, 2025
COUNTRY Financial® announced a $20,000 commitment for Illinois Farm Bureau Rural Development Grants at the Tailgate n’ Tallboys country music festival on Thursday, June 12. Administered though Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB), the grant program supports rural development projects that will positively impact rural Illinoisans and their communities.
“COUNTRY’s roots are in agriculture; the company was started by farmers 100 years ago to provide fire and lightning insurance,” said Nikki Johnson, Vice President of Marketing at COUNTRY Financial. “Today, we continue to help farmers protect their legacy and plan for their futures. The Rural Development Grants administered by the Illinois Farm Bureau serve a similar purpose – to positively impact rural Illinoisans. We are proud to call attention to this valuable program and to help it grow with this financial commitment.”
“Illinois Farm Bureau is grateful for COUNTRY Financial’s generous support of the Rural Development Grant Program, which provides funding for resources, tools and support to help local communities and counties,” said Illinois Farm Bureau President Brian Duncan. “Improving the rural economy and quality of life in Illinois is one of IFB’s top priorities. We, along with the county Farm Bureaus, are proud to see continued support for this crucial grant program, which breathes life into communities through investment in local projects.”
COUNTRY and IFB are partnering to spotlight agriculture at the Tailgate n’ Tallboys event. The organizations are sponsoring the event, providing opportunities for their employees, members and concert attendees to learn more about their organizations and to increase support for the Rural Development Grants through social media activations.
Sunday, June 15, has been deemed “Supporting Agriculture Night,” in which members of the Illinois Farm Bureau can receive discounted tickets to the event. For more information or to purchase tickets visit on.ilfb.org/TNTTickets.
COUNTRY Financial serves about one million households and businesses throughout the United States and offers a full range of financial products and services from auto, home, business, farm and life insurance to retirement planning services, investment management and annuities.
Founded in 1916, Illinois Farm Bureau – originally known as the Illinois Agricultural Association – is a nonprofit, grassroots membership organization. Illinois Farm Bureau and a statewide network of county Farm Bureaus give members an advantage through impactful advocacy, trusted information and meaningful development to support their careers and Illinois farm families.
Learn more about Illinois agriculture at ilfb.org. Connect with Illinois Farm Bureau on Facebook: Illinois Farm Bureau | Facebook, Instagram @ilfarmbureau, X @ILFarmBureau, or on TikTok @illinoisfarmbureau.
COUNTRY Financial® is a family of affiliated companies (collectively, COUNTRY) located in Bloomington, IL. Learn more about who we are.